Device, system and method for data access control

ABSTRACT

A device, a method and a system for providing control of access to data which is stored in an electronic data storage device. The device, method and system enable various types of permissions to be set for determining access to the stored data, such that if an attempt is made to access particular data which does not have a suitable permission type, access is denied. Preferably, the present invention is implemented as an access control device, such as a chip for example, which more preferably controls all access to the data storage device. This implementation is preferred, since such electronic devices are more difficult to “hack” for access by an unauthorized user. The device, system and method have a number of different utilizations, such as for controlling access to credit card information; for identifying a user according to a PIN or other identification information; for controlling access to a particular location according to the identity of the user; and for controlling access to various types of data files, such as music files in the MP3 format and so forth.

This is is a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/409,091, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,324,537 filed on Sep. 30, 1999, which is currently pending.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device, a system and method for data access control, particularly for controlling access to data stored on a data storage device with a biometric detection device, such that access is determined through the operation of the biometric detection device.

Computers are useful for the storage, retrieval and manipulation of data. Currently, many different types of electronic data storage devices are used in conjunction with computers. These electronic storage devices may be located externally or internally to the computer with which the storage device is in communication. For example, a magnetic storage device, such as hard disk drive, could be located internally to the computer, in direct or indirect communication with the system bus of the computer and operated by the CPU(s) (central processing unit(s)) of the computer. Flash memory, which is both readable and writable, is a physically smaller storage device, which may be located within the physical case of the computer, and which is also connected to the system bus and operated by the CPU. Removable storage media may also be used to store data, in which a hardware device, or “drive”, for reading from and/or writing to the storage medium, is connected to the system bus of the computer. Examples of removable storage media include, but are not limited to, optical disks, CD-ROM disks and floppy diskettes. At some level, all of these various hardware devices are in communication with the computer which operates the device, regardless of the location of the electronic storage device. Therefore, access to the data is provided through such a computer.

One important aspect of such data storage is that access to the data should be controlled, for the purpose of data security. Currently, most forms of data access control are implemented as software programs, which have a number of disadvantages. For example, these programs may be “hacked” or overcome by an unauthorized user, who can then gain access to the data. Such a disadvantage has become more acute with the advent of communication networks, distributed data storage and “client-server” applications, all of which increase the number of access points to the computer through which the electronic storage device is accessed, and hence to the stored data on that device. Such an increased number of access points also potentially increase the ability of an unauthorized user to access the data. Thus, software programs are clearly not adequate protection for data stored in a networked environment with multiple access points.

Another type of data access control is provided through the operating system of the computer itself. For example, UNIX and other operating systems typically allow an authorized user to determine the level of permissions associated with a particular file and/or sub-directory, which could be “read-only”, “read/write” and so forth. Unfortunately, such permissions are often relatively simple, only differentiating between “read” and “write” for example. Also, like other types of software programs, these operating systems may be “hacked” by an unauthorized user, who can then gain access to the data.

In addition, if the electronic hardware storage device itself is stolen, then typically the data becomes completely unprotected, such that any unauthorized user can easily gain access to the data on the storage device. Neither common software programs nor the operating system of the computer can overcome this problem, since they are stored and implemented separately from the storage device itself.

A more useful solution would be implemented with the hardware of the electronic storage device in a more integrated manner, such that even if the storage device itself is stolen, the data could not be easily accessed. Furthermore, such integration would increase the difficulty of access by an unauthorized user. Such integration could be improved still further with the addition of a biometric detection device, such as a fingerprint sensor, which is known in the art for determining the identity of a user according to the fingerprint of the user. Unfortunately, such a solution is not currently available.

There is thus an unmet need for, and it would be useful to have, a device, a system and a method for controlling access to data stored on an electronic storage device, which does not rely on separately stored software programs, which is optionally integrated with the hardware of the storage device, and which features a biometric detection device in order to increase the difficulty of access by an unauthorized user, even if the electronic data storage device is removed by the unauthorized user for such unauthorized access.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of an example of a method according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a system according to the present invention with a biometric detection device; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for operating the system of FIG. 3 according to the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is of a device, a method and a system for providing control of access to data which is stored in an electronic data storage device through the operation of a biometric detection device. The present invention provides for access to be determined according to the identity of the user, as determined by the biometric detection device. The present invention also enables various types of permissions to be set for determining access to the stored data, such that if an attempt is made to access particular data which does not have a suitable permission type, access is denied. Preferably, the present invention is implemented as an access control device, such as a chip for example, which more preferably controls all access to the data storage device. This implementation is preferred, since such electronic devices are more difficult to “hack” for access by an unauthorized user.

According to other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the type of access provided by the device, whether as an access control device or as a data storage device alone, is at least partially determined according to the identity of the user. For example, certain users may only be given permission to access specific data, and/or to access a specific type of data with a specific type of permission which has been set. As the present invention enables the identity of the user to be determined exactly, through the biometric detection device, such permissions may optionally be specifically set for each specific user if desired.

The present invention has many different possible but optional utilizations, such as for controlling access to credit card information; for identifying a user according to a PIN or other identification information; for controlling access to a particular location according to the identity of the user; and for controlling access to various types of data files, such as music files in the MP3 format, digital phone books, digital photos and so forth. Thus, the present invention provides a more secure solution for the controlling access to data, which is useful for substantially any type of data storage device.

The device of the present invention may optionally be implemented in a number of different ways, all of which are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, including but not limited to, both removable and permanent storage devices; devices connected to a computer through a USB bus, or alternatively through any other suitable hardware connection interface; a single chip with a microprocessor and firmware for operating the data access features, or alternatively may be implemented as data storage with logic only, and so forth. The important feature of the present invention is that it enables a plurality of different types of data access to be combined in a single secured storage device. The device functionality of the present invention is flexible and allows data to be stored according to several different access types within a single device. Furthermore, the present invention may optionally determine the type of data access according to information which is appended to the stored data, such that the type of data access is defined according to a “soft”, data-based definition, as opposed to a “hard” definition which is implemented only in the hardware itself.

According to the present invention, there is provided a system for controlling access to stored data, the system comprising: (a) an electronic data storage device for storing the stored data; and (b) an access control device for controlling access to the electronic data storage device, such that the stored data is accessed through the access control device, and such that the access control device determines access to the stored data according to at least one permission.

The electronic data storage device and the access control device may optionally be implemented as a single chip, or alternatively may be embodied in two or more separate functional components, for example.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a device for controlling access to data stored in an electronic data storage device, the device comprising: (a) an input for receiving a request to access the stored data; (b) a non-volatile memory for storing at least one permission for determining access to the stored data; (c) at least one instruction for determining a permitted access according to the at least one permission, the at least one instruction being stored on the non-volatile memory; and (d) a processor for executing the at least one instruction and for comparing the request to the at least one permission, such that if the at least one permission includes a type of access requested in the request, the stored data is provided, and alternatively if the at least one permission does not include a type of access requested in the request, the stored data is not provided.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling access to data stored in an electronic data storage device, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an access control device for determining access to the electronic data storage device; (b) receiving a request to access the stored data by the access control device; (c) comparing the request to at least one permission for determining access to the stored data by the access control device; (d) if the at least one permission includes a type of access requested in the request, performing the request for accessing the stored data from the electronic data storage device by the access control device; and (e) alternatively, if the at least one permission does not include the type of access requested in the request, rejecting the request by the access control device.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a device for controlling access to data stored in an electronic data storage device by a user, access being determined according to a biological parameter of the user, the device comprising: (a) a biometric detection device for detecting the biological parameter of the user and for determining whether the user has the at least one permission to access the stored data; (b) an input for receiving a request to access the stored data; (c) a non-volatile memory for storing at least one permission for determining access to the stored data; (d) at least one instruction for determining a permitted access according to the at least one permission, the at least one instruction being stored on the non-volatile memory; and (e) a processor for executing the at least one instruction and for comparing the request to the at least one permission, the processor being connected to the biometric detection device, such that if the at least one permission includes a type of access requested in the request, the stored data is provided, and alternatively if the at least one permission does not include a type of access requested in the request, the stored data is not provided.

Hereinafter, the term “computer” refers to a combination of a particular computer hardware system and a particular software operating system. Examples of such hardware systems include those with any type of suitable data processor. Hereinafter, the term “computer” includes, but is not limited to, personal computers (PC) having an operating system such as DOS, Windows™, OS/2™ or Linux; Macintosh™ computers; computers having JAVA™-OS as the operating system; and graphical workstations such as the computers of Sun Microsystems™ and Silicon Graphics™, and other computers having some version of the UNIX operating system such as AIX™ or SOLARIS™ of Sun Microsystems™; embedded computers executing a control scheduler as a thin version of an operating system, a PalmPilot™, a PilotPC™, a cellular phone, a digital camera, or any other handheld device; any other device featuring known and available operating system; as well as any type of device which has a data processor of some type with an associated memory. Hereinafter, the term “Windows™” includes but is not limited to Windows95™, Windows 3.x™ in which “x” is an integer such as “1”, Windows NT™, Windows98™, Windows CE™ and any upgraded versions of these operating systems by Microsoft Corp. (USA).

Hereinafter, the term “biometric detection device” refers to any type of device which is capable of capturing data with regard to a biological parameter of a user, including, but not limited to, a fingerprint detection device and a device which performs a retinal scan, devices for measurement of ECG/EEG, pressure measurements on one or more body organs, voice recognition, skin or other body chemical analysis

For the present invention, a software application could be written in substantially any suitable programming language, which could easily be selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. The programming language chosen should be compatible with the computer by which the software application is executed, and in particularly with the operating system of that computer. Examples of suitable programming languages include, but are not limited to, C, C++ and Java. Furthermore, the functions of the present invention, when described as a series of steps for a method, could be implemented as a series of software instructions for being operated by a data processor, such that the present invention could be implemented as software, firmware or hardware, or a combination thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is of a device, a method and a system for providing control of access to data which is stored in an electronic data storage device, and for which access is determined by a biometric detection device. Examples of different types of biological parameters which optionally could be collected with such a biometric detection device include, but are not limited to, fingerprint, face image recognition, retinal print, iris image analysis, hand geometry, voice analysis, ear shape, detection of odor of the user, palm print and finger geometry. Once the biological parameter has been collected, in a step which is also termed “enrollment”, the biological parameter data is analyzed. This analysis involves the extraction of at least one, and preferably a plurality of, features of the pattern of the biological parameter. For identification of the user, these feature(s) are correlated to stored data which was previously captured from the user. If a sufficient number of points of similarity are found, then the user is considered to be identified. If the identified user has the necessary data permission, then the data operation is performed and/or access is provided by the device according to the present invention.

The type of access provided by the device, whether as an access control device or as a data storage device alone, is preferably at least partially determined according to the identity of the user. For example, certain users may only be given permission to access specific data, and/or to access a specific type of data with a specific type of permission which has been set. As the present invention enables the identity of the user to be determined exactly, through the biometric detection device, such permissions may optionally be specifically set for each specific user if desired.

For example, the present invention enables various types of permissions to be set for determining access to the stored data, such that if an attempt is made to access particular data which does not have a suitable permission type, access is denied. Preferably, the present invention is implemented as an access control device, such as a chip for example, which more preferably controls all access to the data storage device. This implementation is preferred, since such electronic devices are more difficult to “hack” for access by an unauthorized user.

The present invention has many different and optional utilizations, such as for control of access to credit card information; for identifying a user according to a PIN or other identification information; for controlling access to a particular location according to the identity of the user; and for controlling access to various types of data files, such as music files in the MP3 format and so forth. Thus, the present invention provides a more secure solution for the control of access to data, which is useful for substantially any type of data storage device.

The device of the present invention may optionally be implemented in a number of different ways, all of which are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. For example, the device of the present invention may be implemented as a removable device for temporary connection to a computer, or alternatively may be implemented as a permanent storage device. The device may optionally be connected through a USB bus, or alternatively through any other suitable hardware connection interface, for example. As another option, the device may feature a single chip with a microprocessor and firmware for operating the data access features, or alternatively may be implemented as data storage with logic only. For the latter implementation, the device is preferably connected to a computer which operates software for interacting with the logic of the device, and hence for performing the data access method of the present invention. Alternatively, the device may be composed of a plurality of separate functional units which are not combined in a single chip.

Regardless of the type of implementation of the device of the present invention, the important feature of the present invention is that it enables a plurality of different types of data access to be combined in a single storage device. Unlike background art storage devices which are generally restricted to a single type of data access in terms of the hardware implementation, the present invention is flexible and is able to store data according to several different access types within a single device. Furthermore, the present invention may optionally determine the type of data access according to information which is appended to the stored data, such that the type of data access is defined according to a “soft”. data-based definition, rather than according to a “hard” definition which is implemented only in the hardware itself.

The principles and operation of a device, a system and a method according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description, it being understood that these drawings are given for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be limiting. Furthermore, although the following discussion centers upon a removable device which is preferably connected to a USB bus, it is understood that this is for the purposes of description only and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative, exemplary system according to the present invention for controlling data access. A system 10 features a CPU 12 for executing instructions, such as a request to read data for example. CPU 12 is connected to a bus 14. An access control device 16 is also connected to bus 14, such that access control device 16 is in communication with CPU 12 through bus 14. Bus 14 is preferably a USB (universal serial bus), although of course bus 14 may alternatively be implemented as any other suitable type of bus connection.

A data storage device 18 is in communication with access control device 16, such that any attempts to access data in data storage device 18 must pass through access control device 16. Preferably, as shown, data storage device 18 is not in direct communication with bus 14. Therefore, if CPU 12 receives an instruction to read data from data storage device 18, CPU 12 preferably cannot directly read such data by sending a command through bus 14 directly to data storage device 18. Rather, preferably CPU 12 must send the command to access control device 16, which then determines if such access should be granted and the data read from data storage device 18. Thus, more preferably, data can only be read from, and written to, data storage device 18 through access control device 16.

Access control device 16 is optionally implemented according to a plurality of different embodiments, at least partially determined by the particular type of data storage device 18. For example, access control device 16 could optionally be implemented as a chip, with a non-volatile memory which is both readable and writable, such as a flash memory device for example, some type of input for receiving a request for data, and a microprocessor. As described in greater detail below, the various types of permissions could optionally be stored on the non-volatile memory, along with a set of instructions operated by the microprocessor. The access control device could also be implemented as a programmable ASIC.

When access control device 16 receives a request for particular data which is stored in data storage device 18, the stored instructions are executed by the data processing unit within the access control device in order to compare the request for the data to the stored permissions. If the stored permissions are such that the data request may be fulfilled, as described in greater detail below, then access control device 16 enables data to be retrieved from data storage device 18. Otherwise, access control device 16 does not enable the data to be retrieved. Since preferably data storage device 18 can only be accessed through access control device 16, if such access is not granted by access control device 16, then the data cannot otherwise be retrieved.

Access control device 16 could also optionally be directly integrated into data storage device 18. For example, if data storage device 18 is a flash memory device, which is typically embodied as a chip, then the functions of access control device 16 could be integrated into the chip itself. For example, data storage device 18 could be incorporated into a single chip with a microprocessor for access control device 16, and firmware for operating the data access features. Alternatively, access control device 16 may optionally only feature logic, such that access control device 16 would interact with CPU 12 for operating software for interacting with the logic, and hence for performing the data access method of the present invention. Alternatively, access control device 16 and data storage device 18 may be implemented as a plurality of separate functional units which are not combined in a single chip.

However, the implementation of access control device 16 as a chip, or other electronic device, whether integrated into. or separate from, data storage device 18, is particularly preferred since such an implementation also enables the security of access control device 16 to be more easily maintained, as electronic hardware devices are more difficult to “hack” for unauthorized access. As described above, access control device 16 is preferably implemented as firmware, which combines software instructions stored on a hardware memory, with additional hardware components such as a microprocessor or a microcontroller for performing the instructions.

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, system 10 enables a plurality of different types of permissions for accessing data to be stored by access control device 16, such that a variety of different types of data access can be provided. As an example, one type of permission could be a standard read and write permission, but with write protection, such that access control device 16 would permit data to be read from data storage device 18, but would block an attempt to write data to data storage device 18. If such a permission is to be stored in an abbreviated code, the code for this particular type of permission could be given as “R/W/WP”, for example. Such a code could optionally be stored in the non-volatile memory of access control device 16, for example. However, the permission is such that it could be changed to permit such write access, or a read and write permission with no write protection, with a code as follows: R/W/NP. These standard types of read and write permissions are often used for hard disks, floppy diskettes and other storage media, for example.

The present invention also preferably enables more complex types of permissions to be implemented. For example, the permission could be given as “write once and read many times”, or “WO/RM” in code form, such that the data could only be written to data storage device 18 once, but could be read from data storage device 18 many times. One example of a useful implementation of such a permission is the storage of an image for identifying a user, for example in order to permit access to a particular location.

Another type of optional but preferred implementation of a permission is “write once, no read, comparison with yes/no answer only”, or “WO/NR/C” in code form. This type of permission indicates that the data can only be written to data storage device 18 once and cannot be read from data storage device 18. However, access control device 16 can enable the data to be compared with received data, but would only provide information in the form of a “yes” or “no” answer as a result of the comparison. One example of a useful implementation of such a permission is for a PIN (personal identification number) or other number for identifying a user, such as for accessing a bank account or using a credit card. Access control device 16 can receive data in the form of the PIN or other information entered by the user, and can then, compare the received data to data which is stored in data storage device 18. Access control device 16 would then confirm whether the correct PIN or other identification information had been entered by returning a positive or negative comparison. The stored data would not be released from data storage device 18, such that the PIN could not be read from data storage device 18 by an unauthorized user. Thus, data security would be maintained, while still enabling the identity of the user to be confirmed according to an entered PIN or other identification information.

One-variation of this type of permission incorporates permission, or lack thereof, for updating the stored data. With regard to the example above, the PIN or other identification information could optionally be changed for updating, if the permission is given as updatable, or WO/NR/C/U in code form. Alternatively. if the permission is given such that the data cannot be updated, or WO/NR/C/NU in code form, then the data cannot be altered.

Another variation of this type of permission incorporates a limited number of “read” operations. After the number of read operations of the designated data has elapsed, the data is either erased or locked. One example of a useful implementation of such permission is the implementation of “tokens”. The user may purchase a service limited to a number of repetitions, such that the consumption of the service is managed inherently by the device under this type of permission. One example of a suitable code is WO/RL, wherein “RL” stands for “read limited”.

Another variation of this permission is the implementation of “slow access” to data. Some types of data, such as credit card information for example, is expected to be retrieved at a moderate access frequency. A high access frequency might therefore be the result of some computerized unauthorized hacking attempt. This type of access might optionally be blocked by the device using this type of permission. One example of a suitable code is WO/SR, wherein “SR” stands for “slow read” for a slow to moderate frequency of read accesses.

A more specific example of these different types of permissions, and their use thereof, is given below with regard to FIG. 2, which features a flowchart of an illustrative and exemplary method according to the present invention for controlling data access.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of an example of a method according to the present invention, with regard to access to data in the form of a stored credit card number or other credit card information. In step 1, a plurality of different types of information are combined to form the credit card number or other credit card information. Preferably, if the credit card information is given as a number, the format of the credit card number is given as follows:YYYZZZDDDAAA, in which YYY is a code which identifies the originator of the credit card data, such as the provider of the credit card; ZZZ is an identification number for the credit card account, which currently forms the credit card number in background art implementations of a credit card; DDD, which optionally features other data about the credit card account, such as the date when the credit card was issued, where the credit card was issued, the expiration date and so forth; and AAA, which optionally and preferably is a PIN as previously described.

In step 2, each portion of the credit card information, such as the credit card number, is stored with a separately selected and assigned data access permission, which optionally and preferably is different for each portion of the number. For example, preferably “YYY”, “ZZZ” and “DDD” are each stored with the permission assigned as WO/RM (write once, read many times); AAA is preferably stored with the permission assigned as WO/NR/C/U (write once, do not read, compare only, updateable). These permissions are described in greater detail above.

In step 3, the user attempts to purchase a product with the credit card number or other credit card information. In step 4, the merchant or other party receiving the payment enters the credit card number or other credit card information. It should be noted that this step is optionally performed substantially automatically, for example through a computerized sales machine, or an e-commerce transaction through some secured Internet access device. In step 5, the access control device receives the credit card number or other credit card information.

In step 6, the access control device determines the type of permission for each portion of the credit card number or other credit card information. In step 7, the access control device performs the commands which are permitted, optionally including reading the portions of the credit card number which are designated as “YYY”, “ZZZ” and “DDD”, and performing a comparison with the portion of the credit card number which is designated as “AAA”. In step 8, the permitted information is returned by the access control device. Thus, this illustrative method is an example of the utility of the present invention for validating a credit card number for performing a purchase.

Other types of data which could be stored with an assigned type of permission according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, an access control code, an identification code and various types of data files, as described in greater detail below.

For example, an access control code could be implemented with a combination of different types of data, each of which could again feature a separately selected and assigned data access permission, which optionally and preferably is different for each portion of the data. If the access control code is implemented as a number, then preferably these different types of data are as follows, with the data access permissions. The first portion of the access control code is optionally a code which identifies the data as an access control code, and which is preferably stored as “WO/RM”. The second portion of the access control code is preferably the access code itself, and is preferably stored as “WO/NR/C/U”.

Similarly, an identification code is optionally and preferably composed of a first portion which identifies the data as an identification code, and which is preferably stored as “WO/RM”, and a second portion which is the unique identification code, for example for a hardware device, which is preferably stored as “WO/RM”.

Other types of data files may be stored with associated permission types as desired, which are constructed as previously described. For example, most data files are preferably stored as “R/W” data, with the decision to permit writing to the data (“R/W/WP”) or not to permit such writing (“R/W/NP”), decided according to user preference. Thus, the present invention can accommodate many different types of uses for the control of data access.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative and preferred but exemplary system according to the present invention for controlling data access with a biometric detection device. Items with reference numbers which are identical to FIG. 1 are intended to have at least a similar function.

A system 20 features a biometric detection device 22 as part of access control device 16 for the purpose of identifying a user. As for FIG. 1, data storage device 18 is in communication with access control device 16, such that any attempts to access data in data storage device 18 must pass through access, control device 16. However, access control device 16 now determines access to data storage device 18 according to the biological parameter of the user, which is measured by biometric detection device 22 for the purpose of identifying the user. Thus, more preferably, data can only be read from, and written to, data storage device 18 through access control device 16, such that permission to read and/or write data is determined according to the identity of the user. Most preferably, as explained in greater detail below with regard to FIG. 4, permission is only given to read and/or write to specific file(s) and/or specific type(s) of files according to the specific identity of the user, as determined from the biological parameter.

Biometric detection device 22 is optionally implemented according to a plurality of different embodiments. For example, biometric detection device 22 could be implemented as a fingerprint detection device or as a retinal scanning device. As a fingerprint detection device, biometric detection device 22 is optionally and preferably implemented as a FingerChip (Thomson-CSF Semiconducteurs Specifiques, France; see www.tcs.thomson-csf.com/Us/fingerchip/fc_home.htm as of Mar. 23, 2000). Biometric detection device 22 optionally and preferably contains an internal memory 24 for storing instructions on the scanning of fingerprints, and more preferably on the interpretation of such fingerprints with regard to stored fingerprint data. The stored fingerprint data is also optionally stored on internal memory 24, but alternatively is stored on a separate memory 26 of access control device 16. If biometric detection device 22 contains internal memory 24, then more preferably a data processor 28 is also present.

Biometric detection device 22 also includes a sample collector 30 for collecting a sample of the biological parameter. For example, for a fingerprint detection device, sample collector 30 preferably includes a thermal imaging fingerprint sensor for collecting the fingerprint data, as described in greater detail below. The fingerprint data is then optionally analyzed by biometric detection device 22, and more specifically by a software module which is stored in internal memory 24 and which is operated by data processor 28. Alternatively, the fingerprint data is analyzed by a software module being operated by access control device 16. Similarly, a retinal scan could be collected with sample collector 30, optionally implemented as a light scanner which is suitable for transmitting light into the eye of the user.

In an exemplary embodiment with the FingerChip™ device, sample collector 30 is optionally implemented with this device. The FingerChip™ device is a small silicon chip (smaller than the size of the fingertip), which is a thermal imaging sensor. Other types of sensors for collecting fingerprint data include, but are not limited to, optical sensors which use light in conjunction with a scanning device such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera for example; devices which sense capacitance; and combinations of such sensors (see www.tcs.thomson-csf.com/fingerchip/DownloadFAQ/faq.htm as of Mar. 23, 2000 for an explanation of the different devices, including the FingerChip™ device itself). Such a chip can optionally be connected to an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 32 for converting the analog thermal signal to a digital signal. The digital signal is then optionally passed to data processor 28 for analysis, as described in greater detail below.

Once the biological parameter has been collected from the user and analyzed, the specific identity of the user can optionally be determined. Such a specific identity can then be used to determined the type of permissions which are granted to the user; for example, only to access a particular file(s) and/or type of file. When access control device 16 receives a request for particular data which is stored in data storage device 18, the stored instructions are executed by the microprocessor in order to compare the request for the data-to the stored permissions according to the identity of the user. If the stored permissions are such that the data request may be fulfilled for the specific user, as described in greater detail below, then access control device 16 enables data to be retrieved from data storage device 18. Otherwise, access control device 16 does not enable the data to be retrieved. Since preferably data storage device 18 can only be accessed through access control device 16, if such access is not granted by access control device 16, then the data cannot otherwise be retrieved and/or manipulated.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary method according to the present invention for the operation of the preferred system of FIG. 3. This method is explained with regard to the detection of a fingerprint as a biological parameter for the purposes of illustration only and without any intention of being limiting.

In step 1, the user places a finger in proximity to the biometric detection device. For example, with regard to the FingerChip™ device, as described in greater detail above, the finger of the user is swept over the surface of the chip such that at least the pad of the fingertip of the user touches this chip.

In step 2, the biometric detection device detects the presence of the finger of the user in order to begin the collection procedure. For example, with regard to the FingerChip™ device, the presence of the fingertip is sensed by a thermal sensor, such that a sharp alteration in the thermal pattern indicates that the fingertip of the user is in proximity to the device (see www.tcs.thomson-csf.com/fingerchip/description/reconstr.htm as of Mar. 23, 2000 for an explanation of the entire detection and data collection procedure). Of course, other implementations of such a device may optionally employ alternate mechanisms.

In step 3, the data related to the biological parameter of the user is collected by the sample collector of the biometric detection device. For example, data acquisition may involve the collection of one or more images, such as the thermal images of the FingerChip™ device. Each such image is of at least a portion of the fingertip of the user. Optionally and preferably, a plurality of images are collected.

In step 4, the data is analyzed in order to determine whether the collected biological parameter of the user is a sufficiently close match to the stored identification information of a permitted user, such that the data operation with regard to the data storage device is permitted. The user is presumed to have provided a measurement of such a biological parameter previously, in order for this information to be stored for later comparison.

For example, for fingerprint detection, preferably the plurality of images (if collected) are assembled to form a single image. Next, the assembled image is analyzed for pattern detection, in order to compare at least one, and preferably a plurality of, points of similarity to the stored data.

In step 5, the biometric detection device, or alternatively the access control device if the two devices are implemented separately, determines whether the collected biological parameter is sufficiently similar to a stored pattern with the requisite permission, in order for the data operation to be performed. Optionally, a log may be kept of access attempts, and/or of unsuccessful access attempts.

According to another optional embodiment of the present invention, data could be stored on the storage device according to a data access type which may be defined as “read a few times, then delete”. According to this preferred type of data access, a file would be stored on the device of the present invention and could then be read only a predefined number of times, which preferably would be a plurality of different read times. After the data had been read the predefined number of times, the device of the present invention would then delete the data, or otherwise render the data inaccessible for an additional data read. This type of data access is preferred for file types such as MP3 music files, which may be provided by a vendor for only such a predefined number of data read accesses, for example in order to prevent the unauthorized redistribution of such files.

It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only to serve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible within the spirit and the scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for controlling access to stored data, the stored data having at least one associated type of ion, the system comprising: (a) an electronic data storage device for storing the stored data; and (b) an access control device for controlling access to said electronic data storage device according to a type of requested access, wherein said access control device has a plurality of different of access for accessing data on said electronic data storage device, such that the stored data is only accessed through said access control device, and such that said access control device determines access to the stored data by comparing the at least one associated type of permission to said type of access being requested, said access control device comprising a memory for storing the at least one associated type of permission for determining access to the stored data, such that the at least one associated type of permission is determined only according to a data-based definition stored in said memory and such that said at least one associated type of permission is changeable.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said electronic data storage device and said access control device are implemented on a single chip.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein said access control device includes a microprocessor and firmware for storing a plurality of instructions, such that said access control device determines said access according to said instructions of said firmware.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein said access control device is only logic, the system further comprising: (c) a software program for containing a plurality of instructions for determining said access to said data storage device; and (d) a data processor for operating said software program.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said data storage device and said access control device are contained on said chip, and wherein said chip is included in a removable device.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein said data storage device and said access control device are implemented as a plurality of separate components.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein said access control device is implemented as a programmable ASIC.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein said access control device further comprises: (i) an input for receiving a request to access the stored data; (ii) a non-volatile memory for storing at least one permission for determining access to the stored data; (iii) at least one instruction for determining a permitted access according to the at least one permission, said at least one instruction being stored on said non-volatile memory; and (iv) a processor for executing said at least one instruction and for comparing said request to said at least one permission, such that if said at least one permission includes a type of access requested in said request, the stored data is provided, and alternatively if said at least one permission does not include a type of access requested in said request, the stored data is not provided.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein said non-volatile memory is a flash memory device.
 10. The system of claim 9, further comprising: (c) a CPU (central processing unit) for transmitting said request to said access control device and for receiving provided data; and p1 (d) a bus for connecting said CPU to said access control device, such that said electronic data storage device is not accessed through said CPU, but only through said access control device.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein said bus is a USB (universal serial bus).
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein said at least one permission is for comparing said request to the stored data and for returning a positive or negative comparison, such that if said request is identical to the stored data, said comparison is positive, and alternatively such that if said request is not identical to the stored data, said comparison is negative, and such that the stored data is not read.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein said access control device is integrated with said electronic data storage device.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein access is determined according to a biological parameter of a user and said access control device further comprises a biometric detection device for detecting said biological parameter of the user and for determining whether the user has said at least one permission to access the stored data.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein said biometric detection device further comprises: (i) a sample collector for collecting said biological parameter of the user; and (ii) a software module for analyzing said biological parameter to determine whether the user has said at least one permission to access the stored data.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein said biometric detection device further comprises: (iii) a memory device for storing said software module and at least one previously collected biological parameter of the user; and (iv) a data processor for operating said software module.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein said biological parameter of the user is a fingerprint of the user.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein said access control device has a single input and wherein access is determined only through said single input.
 19. A device for controlling access to date storing in an electronic data storage devices the device comprising: (a) an input for receiving a request to access the stored data, (b) a non-volatile memory for storing at least one permission for determining access to the stored data, such that said at least one type of permission is determined only according to a data-based definition stored in said non-volatile memory; (c) at least one instruction for determining a permitted access according to the at least one permission, said at least one instruction being stored in said non-volatile memory; and (d) a processor for executing said at least one instruction and for comparing said request to said at least one permission, such that if said at least one permission includes a type of access requested in said request, the stored data is provided according to said at least one instruction executed by said processor, and alternatively if said at least one permission does not include a type of access requested in said request, the stored data is not provided.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the device is implemented as a programmable ASIC.
 21. The device of claim 19, wherein said non-volatile memory is a flash memory device.
 22. The device of claim 19, wherein access is determined according to a biological parameter of a user, the device further comprising a biometric detection device for detecting said biological parameter of the user and for determining whether the user has said at least one permission to access the stored data, said biometric detection device being connected to said processor.
 23. The device of claim 22, wherein said biometric detection device further comprises: (i) a sample collector for collecting said biological parameter of the user; and (ii) a software module for analyzing said biological parameter to determine whether the user has said at least one permission to access the stored data.
 24. The device of claim 23, wherein said biometric detection device further comprises: (iii) a memory device for storing said software module and at least one previously collected biological parameter of the user; and (iv) a data processor for operating said software module.
 25. The device of claim 24, wherein said biological parameter of the user is a fingerprint of the user.
 26. A method for controlling access to data stored in an electronic storage device, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an access control device for determining access to the electronic data storage device; (b) receiving a request to access the stored data by said access control device; (c) comparing said request to at one permission for determining access to the stored data by said access control device, wherein said at least one permission is one of a plurality of different types of permission, each type of permission determining a different type of access to the stored data and wherein each type of permission is changeable; (d) if said at least one permission includes a type of access requested in said request, performing said request for accessing the stored data from the electronic data storage device by said access control device; and (e) alternatively, if said at least one permission does not include a type of access requested in said request, rejecting said request by said access control device.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein said type of access includes permission to read from the stored data, such that step (d) includes the step of reading from the stored data.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein said type of access includes permission to write to the stored data, such that step (d) includes the step of writing to the stored data.
 29. The method of claim 26, wherein said type of access only includes comparing said request to the stored data and for returning a positive or negative comparison, such that if said request is identical to the stored data, step (d) includes the step of returning a positive comparison, and alternatively such that if said request is not identical to the stored data, step (d) includes the step of returning a negative comparison, such that the stored data is not read.
 30. The method of claim 26, wherein the stored data is a credit card number, and said credit card number features a plurality of types of data, each of said plurality of types of data being stored with a separately selected access permission.
 31. The method of claim 26, wherein the stored data has a permission for a predetermined number of data read accesses, such that step (c) includes the steps of: (i) determining a number of performed data read accesses for the stored data; and (ii) if said number of performed data read accesses is less than said predetermined number of data read accesses, permitting the stored data to be read.
 32. The method of claim 26, wherein access is determined for a user and wherein step (b) further comprises the steps of: (i) collecting a biological parameter of said user; and (ii) analyzing said biological parameter to determine an identity of said user, such that said at least one permission is determined according to said identity.
 33. The method of claim 26, wherein the stored data has a permission for at least one data read access and for no data write accesses, such that step (c) includes the steps of: (i) determining whether said request is for a data read access for the stored data; and (ii) if said request is for said data read access, permitting the stored data to be read.
 34. The method of claim 26, wherein the stored data has a permission for a predetermined rate of data read accesses, such that step (c) includes the steps of: (i) determining a rate of performed data read accesses for the stored data; and (ii) if said rate of performed data read accesses is less than said predetermined rate of data read accesses, permitting the stored data to be read.
 35. A device for controlling access to data stored in an electronic data storage device by a user, access being determined according to a biological parameter of the user, the device comprising: (a) a biometric detection device for detecting said biological parameter of the user and for determining whether the user has said at least one permission to access the stored data; (b) an input for receiving a request to access the stored data; (c) a non-volatile memory for storing at least one permission for determining access to the stored data, such that said at least one permission is determined according to a data-based definition stored in said non-volatile memory and wherein said at least one permission is not permanently stored in hardware, (d) at least one instruction for determining a permitted access according to the at least one permission, said at least one instruction being stored on said non-volatile memory as software; and (c) a processor for executing said at least one instruction and for comparing said request to said at least one permission, said processor being connected to said biometric detection device such that the device for controlling access performs identification according to said biometric detection device such that if said at least one permission includes a type of access requested in said requests the stored data is provided, and alternatively if said at least one permission does not include a type of access requested in said requests the stored data is not provided.
 36. A system for controlling access to stored data, access being determined according to a biological parameter of the user, the system comprising: (a) an electronic data storage device for storing the stored data, the stored data having at least one associated type of permission, said at least one associated type of permission being determined according to a data-based definitions, wherein said at least one associated type of permission is changeable; and (b) an access control device for controlling access to said electronic data storage device according to a type of requested access, said access control device having a plurality of different types of access for accessing data on said electronic data storage device, such that the stored data is only accessed through said access control device, and such that said access control device determines access to the stored data by comparing said at least one associated type of permission to said type of access being requested.
 37. A system for controlling access to stored data by a user, the stored data having at least one associated type of permission, the system comprising: (a) a biometric detection device for detecting said biological parameter of the user and for determining whether the user has said at least one permission to access the stored data; (a) an electronic data storage device for storing the stored data; and (c) an access control device for controlling access to said electronic data storage device according to a type of requested access, wherein said access control device has a plurality of different types of access for accessing data on said electronic data storage device, such that the store data is only accessed through said access control devices and such that said access control device determining access to the stored data by comparing the at least one associated type of permission to said type of access being requested, said access control device comprising a memory for storing the at least one associated type of permission for determining access to the stored data, such that the at least one associated type of permission is determined only according to a data-based definition stored in said memory.
 38. A system for controlling access to stored data, the stored data having at least one associated type of permission, the system comprising: (a) an electronic data storage device for storing the stored data; and (b) an access control device for controlling access to said electronic data storage device according to a type of requested access, wherein said access control device has a plurality of different types of access for accessing data on said electronic data storage device, such that the stored data is only accessed through said access control devices and such that said access control device determines access to the stored data by comparing the at least one associated type of permission to said type of access being requested, said access control device comprising a memory for storing the at least one associated type of permission for determining access to the stored data, such that the at least one associated type of permission is determined only according to a data-based definition stored in said memory; wherein access is not determined according to an associated type of permission permanently stored in hardware.
 39. A system for controlling access to stored data, the stored data having at least one associated type of permission, the system comprising: (a) an electronic data storage device for storing the stored data; and (b) an access control device for controlling access to said electronic data storage device according to a type of requested access, wherein said access control device has a plurality of different type of access for accessing data on said electric data storage device, such that the stored data is only accessed through said access control device, and such that said access control device determines access to the stored data by comparing the at least one associated type of permission to said type of access being requested such that the at least one associated type of permission is determined only according to a data-based definition; wherein access is determined only according to operation of software.
 40. A system for controlling access to stored data, the stored data having at least one associated type of permission, the system comprising: (a) an electronic data storage device for storing the stored data; and (b) an access control device for controlling access to said electronic data storage device according to a type of requested access, wherein said access control device has a plurality of different types of access for accessing data on said electronic data storage device, such that the stored data is only accessed through said access control device, and such that said access control device determines access to the stored data by comparing the at least one associated type of permission to said type of access being requested, said access control device comprising a writable flash memory for storing the at least one associated type of permission for determining access to the stored data, such that the at least one associated type of permission is determined only according to a data-based definition stored in said memory and such that said at least one type of permission is changeable.
 41. A system for controlling access to stored data, the stored data having at least one associated type of permission, the system comprising: (a) an electronic data storage device for storing the stored data; and (b) an access control device for controlling access to said electronic data storage device according to a type of requested access, wherein said access control device has a plurality of different types of access for accessing data on said electronic data storage device, such that the stored data is only accessed through said access control device, and such that said access control device determines access to the stored data by comparing the at least one associated type of permission to said type of access being requested, such that the at least one associated type of permission is determined only according to a data-based definition and such that said at least one type of permission is changeable. 